44 
STATE AGEICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 
The Cashmere Goat^ first introduced in the United States by 
Dr. Jas. B. Davis, of South Carolina, in 1849, though long re¬ 
garded as a beautiful but expensive novelty, and hence en¬ 
couraged exclusively by here and there a wealthy amateur or 
fancy” farmer, has nevertheless steadily held his way, as with 
an evident intent to make his permanent abode among us. 
Originally but nine in number—two males and seven fe¬ 
males—they have multiplied until now their progeny are 
found in nearly every state, Wisconsin included. 
The great value of the fieece,—which, though muck lighter 
in weight, is many limes more valuable in the world’s markets 
than the finest wool—added to the striking beauty of the animal 
when in full flowing dress of white, wavy, silk-like fleece, 
makes the Cashmeres a veiy desirable acquisition. The only 
question is one of adaptability to this colder climate than 
that of their native country. On this point there is not, as 
yet, complete knowledge, derived from varied and repeated 
experiment; on which account due caution is recommended. 
Still with good care, they have passed satisfactorily through 
several seasons in this and other almost equally cold States. 
A cross with the common goat, which is found to be com¬ 
patible with the production of a mixed fleece of about half the 
value of the pure blood, wflll ensure increased hardiness and 
at the same time a great reduction in the first cost of a flock, 
however; and so the posibility becomes even a probability 
that they will be gradually acclimated even in Wisconsin. 
Of the other classes of domestic animals, there is nothing of 
special interest to be reported. Swine appear to be slowly con¬ 
quering the prejudices of our farmers, especially since the in¬ 
troduction of the Suffolk and Chester White; but it seems 
likely to be a good while yet before the hog will be very popu¬ 
lar in this pre-eminently wheat-growing State. 
Thus, in the whole department of stock-breeding, there is 
progress. Farmers are being aroused to a sense of its necessity 
as a branch of our agriculture, and not only providing them¬ 
selves, as already stated, with animals of the best breed,and 
